Supporters of Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) hold placards as they march in the streets of the capital Harare, March 19, 2010. (Philimon Bulawayo/Courtesy Reuters)

The International Crisis Group has issued a wake up call to the international community about the possible derailment of the political arrangements in Zimbabwe. Though we continue to focus on Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, and our myriad other commitments, a further unraveling of Zimbabwe will only make worse the dire humanitarian situation in that country and is bound to impact negatively on the region as a whole, not least because of renewed refugee flows.

Intensified violence against those deemed to be ZANU-PF enemies has exposed the limitations of Zimbabwe’s much delayed reform process and threatens to derail the Global Political Agreement (GPA). President Mugabe’s call for early elections has increased fears of a return to 2008’s violence. Prime Minister Tsvangirai has appealed for help from the region. Eventual elections are inevitable, but without credible, enforceable reforms, Zimbabwe faces another illegitimate vote and prospects of entrenched polarization and crisis